Despite the Sixers’ 125-120 preseason overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, it was an encouraging night for Philadelphia.
Between LeBron James making his Philly debut, Joel Embiid starring on both ends of the court and rookie Labaron Philon continuing to embrace big moments, there was plenty to be excited about in this matchup.
Here are my top takeaways from the game.
All offseason, one word has been consistently used by the Sixers to describe how Joel Embiid has looked: “great.” From the front office to Nick Nurse to the players, the word has been used to describe Embiid almost as often as “sacrifice” has been used to describe the team’s group of stars.
After a frustrating preseason performance against Brooklyn, Embiid truly looked “great” against the Celtics, despite some early turnovers. More important than his 27 points, eight rebounds and five assists was the engagement he showed, which seemed to grow as the game progressed.
His defensive effort and willingness to battle for rebounds at times were reminiscent of the Embiid of years past. Even when he didn’t get a hand on a shot or come down with a rebound himself, he impacted the game, which is exactly what the Sixers will need this season in addition to his offensive prowess.
The Sixers will always need his touch from midrange, the gravity he creates with the ball in his hands and his ability to manufacture trips to the free-throw line — and, more importantly, get opponents into foul trouble. But they need more from him, just as they do from every player who will be changing his role for the sake of the team.
LeBron has taken on more of a facilitating role; Jaylen Brown is leaning into the two-way play that made him such an important piece throughout his career in Boston; Tyrese Maxey will play more off the ball; and VJ Edgecombe is doing anything and everything the team needs.
Even role players like Dean Wade are being asked to make changes. In Wade’s case, he has been told to shoot more quickly when open, a message Maxey has frequently delivered to many, if not all, of his teammates.
Becoming more of a connector and floor spacer offensively. Rebounding with a purpose, either directly or by tapping the ball out to his teammates. Defense, particularly rim protection. These are the areas where Embiid needs to make his impact felt, as Nurse emphasized following the team's Tuesday practice.
“I'm always kind of looking for the same from him," Nurse said. "I want him to rebound his position, and I want him to protect the rim. I think he's really been out on the court and working hard. He's playing hard.”
Nurse also said he felt Embiid played hard in the team's preseason matchup against Brooklyn. I disagree. I felt he looked anything but, though that doesn't diminish the work he appears to have put in otherwise, particularly to transform his body once again.
To his credit, Embiid looked far more comfortable athletically against Boston, particularly when moving laterally on the defensive end. He combined that improved mobility with the effort he will need to display throughout the season, which should encourage his coach and teammates while worrying teams around the league.
Following the team’s Thursday morning practice, Maxey said that a healthy Joel Embiid “changes everything.” He is unquestionably correct.
LeBron’s teammates aren’t the only ones who will eat with the generational talent running the offense. Sixers fans are in for a thrilling year of some of the most visually stimulating passes they’ve ever seen.
In his debut against Brooklyn, he played the role of half-court facilitator, with offensive actions beginning with him even when he didn’t bring the ball up the court. Friday night provided an opportunity to see a more expansive arsenal.
One of the most exciting developments was a look at the two-man game between LeBron and Tyrese Maxey. While that action has become lethal between Maxey and Embiid, the pairing with LeBron adds a fresh look, giving Maxey a far more dangerous roll option.
Then there’s the transition game, a key component of the Sixers’ offensive philosophy. Whether off a made basket, a turnover or nearly any other opportunity, they love to push the ball in transition.
While Nurse has voiced confidence in several players initiating that push, LeBron adds a particular element that will only open up their transition game further: the “touchdown pass.”
A specific type of outlet pass, the touchdown pass can be integral to transition opportunities, but few players are capable of consistently pulling it off.
Nikola Jokić is the modern standard. LeBron James is one of only a handful of players to prove lethal as either the “quarterback” or “receiver” in these situations.
At 41 years young, he’s likely to be the QB more often than the WR moving forward. But as the Eagles have lost their QB1, the Sixers have found theirs.
It’s not impossible that his deferential approach could eventually become a concern, but that time is not after his second preseason game with the team.
For now, simply enjoy the passing clinic that has been put before you.
The Sixers struggled to avoid turnovers, a consistent theme in their three preseason losses. They turned the ball over 18 times against Boston, and while those turnovers are concerning, Philadelphia isn’t trying to win preseason games. The team is trying to build offensive cohesion, which will naturally lead to turnovers with so many new moving parts. Those preseason and early-season turnovers are a worthwhile trade-off if the Sixers can tighten things up by the second half of the season and into the playoffs.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is not here to coast. His ties to LeBron and struggles last season raised fair questions about what he has left in the tank entering his 14th season, but he soundly put those concerns to rest by impacting the game on both ends. Box plus/minus is a notoriously unreliable stat on its own, but Caldwell-Pope’s game-leading plus-26, combined with what was evident while he was on the court, leaves little doubt about his ability to play an important role for this team.
Dean Wade rolled his ankle and missed the entire second half. The Sixers are expected to get Anfernee Simons and Adem Bona back at or around the start of the regular season, so losing an integral player at the same time would be frustrating, to say the least. Thankfully, Wade sitting out was purely precautionary, according to Nurse, but his participation in the team’s final practice before the regular season will be telling.
Labaron Philon continues to show no fear. As he attempted to lead the Sixers to victory in the fourth quarter and overtime, his abilities as a shooter and facilitator were impressive. Still, it’s obvious he will need time to develop, an opportunity he will likely be afforded as Simons returns.
Jabari Walker continues to play like he’s fighting for his NBA career. To a degree, he is, as he’s only on a partially guaranteed deal until Jan. 10 and could become a cap or trade casualty if the Sixers find an enticing enough opportunity. Throughout camp and preseason, Walker hasn’t entertained that possibility, at least judging by his play. He has consistently made an impact and even earned time at the four against Boston, partly because of Wade’s injury but also as a sign of Nurse’s understanding that there are times when Walker simply needs to be on the court for the sake of the team.
Meanwhile, Justin Edwards’ preseason has mercifully come to an end. With just two points in 25 minutes of action, it was another offensive struggle for Edwards. Between the strong play of Caldwell-Pope and Walker lately, it’s hard to envision much of a role for Edwards this season if nothing changes.
The Sixers will head to New York to begin their season looking to play spoiler as the Knicks celebrate ring night as the league’s reigning champions.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
